Steven Seagal who is now a Russian citizen slammed NFL players who took a knee during the national anthem and has also defended President Trump and Putin.
“I believe in free speech, I believe that everyone’s entitled to their own opinion, but I don’t agree that they should hold the United States of America or the world hostage by taking a venue where people are tuning in to watch a football game and imposing their political views,” Seagal said during a Wednesday appearance on ITV’s “Good Morning Britain.”
Several NFL players kneeled during the national anthem at football games this week — a rebuke to recent remarks made by President Trump.
The commander-in-chief on Friday blasted football players who took a knee or sat during the “Star Spangled Banner” to protest police brutality. And he continued bashing the athletes, the NFL and team owners throughout the weekend.
Seagal, speaking from Moscow sporting glasses and black robes, took it as an affront to the American flag.
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“I think it’s outrageous, I think it’s a joke, it’s disgusting,” said Seagal, who last year became a Russian citizen.
“I respect the American flag. I myself have risked my life countless times for the American flag and I don’t understand or agree with this kind of behavior. I think it’s an outrage.”
The “Exit Wounds” actor, who served as a reserve chief in the Louisiana sheriff’s office, didn’t specify how he’s risked his life for the stars and stripes.
Seagal also defended Trump, who he said was being attacked by a “ton of enemies within.”
“We have these Democrats that have this whole other agenda to kind of — when I say Democrats it’s not just the Democrats, but there are this whole group of left of Obama-ites and people that feel they should overthrow Trump, and any decisions he makes, anything he tries to do, he gets blocked often from the enemies within, so it’s very difficult for him to do anything,” Seagal said.
Seagal’s physical appearance — including his jet black hair and Moscow backdrop — were mocked on social media after the interview aired.
“’Batman has until midnight to reveal himself or I will bring Gotham to its knees’” – Steven Seagal” tweeted @JonRichard.
The official twitter account for Irish bookmaker Paddy Power suggested the “Under Siege” star is dying his hair.
“Steven Seagal has moved to Russia it seems. He’s also started using boot polish for his hair and little beard. Fair play.” the company tweeted.
“Steven Seagal promoting his next movie. Dye Hard.” quipped @wilkinson_terry.
